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EDMONTON—An Edmonton hospital has been locked down in the face of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Alberta Health Services on Wednesday said the Misericordia Community Hospital in west Edmonton won’t take anymore patients as it deals with the ongoing situation.
Three people have died in connection with the outbreak. The news release said that as of Wednesday there are 20 patients who have tested positive and 15 staff members.
The Misericordia hospital receives about 130 emergency patients a day, in normal times. It is run by Covenant Health, one of Canada’s largest Catholic health-care providers. It works in partnership with Alberta Health Services.
Day procedures and visits are being postponed but may be rescheduled at a different hospital, officials said. Visitors may be permitted during end-of-life situations.
Two units in the hospital are set aside for patients with COVID-19.
“The full facility outbreak extends to all adult and child services including the Emergency Department,” a statement from Alberta Health Services said.
“Patients should not visit the Misericordia and should instead visit one of the other hospitals within the Edmonton Zone or call 911 if needed.”
Hospital patients are being contacted and may be cared for or sent to a different hospital, it adds. Patients already in the hospital will continue to receive care.
Mothers in labour will be moved to Grey Nuns Community Hospital to deliver.
“The safety of our patients, staff, physicians and visitors remains our number one priority,” said Dr. Owen Heisler, chief medical officer with Covenant Health.
“Covenant Health, Alberta Health Services and our teams continue to work tirelessly and collaboratively, taking every possible step to respond with compassion to this challenging situation and to ensure a safe environment for care.”
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